Latest in Fishing & Outdoors
Sportfishing Industry Pleased with Withdrawal of Vessel Speed Rule, More Work to be Done
NOAA Fisheries formally withdrew a proposed rule that would have had dire consequences on public access to fishing along much of the eastern seaboard. The North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, originally published in the Federal Register in 2022, would have limited vessels larger than 35 feet from traveling faster than 10 knots (11.5 mph). The proposed speed restrictions would have governed coastal waters from Massachusetts to Florida and been in effect for roughly half the year.
Craig Williams Secures World Record with a 10-pound Snubnose Pompano
On October 12, 2024, Craig Williams achieved a remarkable feat by landing a 4.62-kilogram (10-pound, 3-ounce) snubnose pompano while fishing in Dampier, Australia. This impressive catch earned him the IGFA Men’s 3-kg (6 lb.) Line Class World Record for the species. The pompano was enticed by Craig's crab fly, and after a brief battle, he successfully landed the fish. Craig then recorded its weight on his certified scale before safely releasing it back into the water.
Fishing Camera Tossed In The Surf For Four Days (CRAZY Footage!)
Check out a great video here!
Safe Fish Handling Tips
Knowing how to safely handle and release fish is just as important as being able to catch fish. Below are a few tips that will help any angler.
Learning from Mistakes
One of the slowest ways to learn is learning from your own mistakes… but some of them will be priceless over time and hopefully, you’ll laugh at yourself.
Fly of the Month: Conner’s Nutter Butter
The Nutter Butter is a great pattern that falls toward the natural color palette, featuring mostly tans and browns and natural material like coyote fur. Something I have noticed is these subtle colors can draw a strike when brighter colors will not, making streamers like the Nutter Butter a staple for any streamer fisher’s box.
Surf Expo Showcases Innovation, Sustainability, and Vibrant Industry Momentum
Surf Expo’s first event of 2025 was held January 8–10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Attracting over 750 exhibitors and thousands of retail buyers, the show provided an unparalleled platform for networking, business growth, and industry innovation. With strong engagement from both new and established brands, major retailers, and independent shops, Surf Expo once again confirmed its role as the premier gathering for the watersports and coastal lifestyle industries.
Wintertime’s Best-Bet Species
With the time-eating bustle of the holidays behind us, anglers will again have some free time to hit the water. Depending on what coastline you fish from, deep winter can be difficult. Here’s a list of target species that can serve to hold you through to spring.
D.A. Sea Wins 2025 Chub Cay Invitational
D.A. Sea, a 65 Paul Mann run by Capt. Mark Stephens, won this year’s Chub Cay Invitational Tournament. The members-only event was held last month. D.A. Sea released four blue marlin to take home first-place honors. The Invitational is hosted by the popular Chub Cay Resort & Marina Club, located at the southern tip of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas.Endless Fishing Opportunities in Marathon
Marathon, the very heart of the Florida Keys, offers fishing options as vast as the crystal blue waters that surround the islands.Under The Sea – Slings and Polearms
There’s a retro-movement taking place—a trend toward primitive hunting gear. Slings and polespears are used in places that do not allow trigger mechanisms.
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